Gas fuel feed systems, and pressure regulators, with safety cut-offs, for internal combustion engines and the like



R. F. ENSGN Jan. 15, 1957 2,777,432

GAS RUEL FEED SYSTEMS, AND PRESSURE REGULAToRs, WITH SAFETY CUT-DRES, FDR INTERNAL coMBUsTIoN ENGINES AND THE LIKE 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June l, 1954 rraeA/Eys:

R. F. ENSIGN 2,777,432

AND PRESSURE REGULATORS, WITH SAFETY CUT-OFFS, FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION Jan. 15, 1957 GAS FUEL. FEED SYSTEMS,

ENGINES AND THE LIKE Filed June l; 1954 WMM 2,777,432 AND PRESSURE REGULATORS, WITH OFFS, FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 (Jag SAFETY CUT- GAS FUEL FEED SY Jan. 15, 1957 Filed June 1, 1954 ll y Jan. l5, 1957 R. F. ENSIGN 2,777,432

-GAS FUEL FEED SY AND PRESSURE REGULATORS, WITH STEMSI SAFETY CUT-OF'FS, FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES AND THE LIKE 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June l, 1954 dz-e .5.'

VII/ll Roy .if .E//vs/s/v,

INVENTOR.

United States Patent O Y 2,771,432 v GAS FUEL FEED SYSTEMS, AND PRESSURE REG- ULATORS, WITH SAFETY CUT-OFFS, FOR IN- {FX1-RENAL COMBUSTION ENGINES AND THE Roy F. Ensign, San Marino, Calif., assigner to Ensign Carburetor. Company, Huntington Park, Calif., a corporation of California Applicatignnme 1, 1954, seal No. 433,662 21 claims. (ci. usf-12o) This invention relates to systems adapted to feed gaseous fuel, such for instance as butane, to ygas consuming devices or mechanisms such as internal combustion engines. In such gaseous fuel systems which commonly receive their fuel from a source. at relatively high pressure-e. g. from a butane tank where the vapor pressure may run as high as lOOfp. s. i. or moreand which utilize pressure regulators for reducing the pressure to that at which the intake of the (e. g.) engine is fed, it is important to guard against the danger of leaks which may develop in the various elements of the system. Normally in such systems the regulator valves are depended upon to close when the `engine is standing and there is no draft on the"y regulator. outlet. Normally, however, regulator valves close relatively lightly under an equilibrium of pressures, and'are consequently liable to the development of leakages. And the controlling diaphragmsl are liable to develop leaks. It is consequently highly desirablev to have, at the head of the system, preferably close to the pressure sourcev and at the head of all other elements and particularly all pressure regulator elements, a cut-off valve that closes positively and tightly, preferably by automatic actuation, when the gas consuming mechanism is shut down.

It is the purpose of the invention to provide a reliable and tightly closing safety cut-olf valve and to provide a positive and. dependable operating system for it. Such operating system, in the case of fuel feed to an engine, is actuated by manifold depression and/or lubricating oil pressure, so as to cause positive and tight closure of the cut-off valve Whenever the engineE is standing.

In previous gas fuel feed systems it has been the common practiceto rely on thev pressure controlling regulator, set to deliver at a pressure slightly under atmospheric, to close when the engine intake suction ceases. Since the regulator Valve or valves consequently are closed under a slight differential pressure they are more likely to develop leakages than a tightly closed valve. In such a system as is provided by this invention,- the fuel supply is not only positively cut-o byi stoppage of engineA operaf tion, but also the normal delivery pressure of the regulator can be at or even above atmospheric pressure. My invention, among other'things, provides for delivery at such higher pressure and provides a system for idlingy control suited to such delivery pressure.

The system of the invention may take two different major forms (in addition to various modifications hereinafter set out). vIn one of those system forms the cut-,off valve may be a valve physically separate from the pressure regulator, ahead of the regulator in the gas feed line, and automatically operated to close when the gas demand on the regulator ceases.

1n the other'system form the, pressure regulating valve, or the first suchv valve. in amultiple stage regulator, is utilized to perform thefunction of cut-off. Generally speakingthe inventionaccomplishes that by providing in the regulator mechanism avalve closing means physically independent of the other pressure regulating forces which 2,777,432 Patented Jau. 15, i957 normally operate the valve in its pressure regulating functions; and then providing means, which may if desired be 'automatically controlled, to effectively remove or disconnect the other operating forces from the valve, to allow the valve to close under the force of its closing means in complete independence of those regulating forces.

In a typical regulator, the so-called diaphragm reference pressure is a force which tends to open the regulator valve, and is commonly, although not always or neces'- sarily, applied directly t'o the regulator diaphragm. The regulated pressure on the diaphragm, opposing the reference pressure, exerts a force tending to close the regulator valve. Thus, to allow the valve to close under the closing force applied independently to it and unimpeded by the opening forces, it is only necessary to removev the reference. pressure 'from the valve. However, in the usual case where the diaphragm reference pressure vis applied directly to the diaphragm, breaking or disabling the normal operating connection between the reference pressure, and the valve also disconnects the diaphragm from the valve, which is also desirable in event of diaphragm rup'- ture or other disablement of the mechanism.

The invention relates not only to systems for supplying fuel to, e. g., internal combustion engines, with automatic actuation of the cut-olf, but it also relates to regulators provided with means for selectively utilizing the pressure regulating valve as a cut-off, regardless of the system in which or the force which controls that selectivity.

The several features of the invention will beunderstood best from the following described illustrative embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. l is a schematic view showing a system wherein the cut-off Valve is a unit physically separate from the pressure regulator;

Fig. 2 is an enlargement ofy certain portions of Fig. 1, with certain modifications of detail;

Fig. 3 is a schematic View showing a'system wherein the first stage valve of the pressure regulator is utilized and actuated as the cut-o valve;

Fig. 3a shows certain modifications in the regulator of Fig. 3;

Fig. 3b shows certain other modifications in the regulator of Fig. 3; and

Figs. 4, 5 and 6 are schematic showings of illustrative modifications.

In Fig. 1 a source of gaseous or Volatile fuel under pressure is shown at 1li. This may be, for instance, a pressure tank containing butane, or a relatively high pressure gas feed line or source of any kind. Passing preferably through a strainer 11, the gas flow is controlled by the shut-off valve, generally designated 12. From valve outlet 13 the gas or volatile fluid goes via the connection 14 to pressure reducing regulator 15; and from the regulatorvia delivery connection 16 to the gas intake port 17 of, for instance, an engine carburetor 18. (in the schematic drawings, all fluid How and fluid pressure connections are indicated simply by dot-dash lines.) Gas port 17, metered by a valve or a selectible orifice such as shown at 19, is shown entering the carburetor at the throat of venturi 2li where the velocity depression of the air stream creates a suction to draw the gas into the stream in propor# tion to the air ow volume. The carbureter illustrated here is of the up-draft type with air intake at 21 and with throttle 22 above the Venturi and between it and intake manifold 2.3 of engine 24. A port 25 is located above throttle 22 in a position where it always communicates with and is subjected to manifold' depression. Another port 26, for idling control of the regulator and its gas feed to the carburetor, is located to communicate with the' mixture passage of the carbureter at a point above the' throttle. It may be, but not necessarily, just above that edge of the throttle which, moving up, passes the port on opening from idling position and cuts off the direct communication which that port has with the intake manifold at idling throttletposition.l Port 26 communicates, via a passage 27 controlled by adjustable valve 28, with a pressure balance connection 29 that goes to regulator .15 as a reference pressure controlling the pressure at which the regulator delivers to the carbureter gas intake. (How the delivery pressure is controlled, see Fig. 3, eX- plained below.) This balance connection communicates with the carbureter air intake 21 through a modified Pitot tube 30 which picks up the air pressure in the intake, whatever that may be as modified by frictional pressure drops in passages (e. g. air cleaners) leading to the intake.

Pressure regulator 15 may be any ordinary or usual regulator of the single stage or multiple stage type, in which a pressure controlling valve or valves are operated by pressure actuated diaphragms; or it may be a regulator with certain particular appurtenances which are further explained in connection with Fig. 3. ln any case, balance connection 29 goes to the reference pressure chamber of the diaphragm that controls the delivery pressure of the regulator.

Going back now to the cut-off valve, its preferred details of structure and its operation will be explained. The valve proper is a cone shaped valve member 35 (see both Figs. 1 and 2) set on or formed integrally with a stem 36 which projects down from the valve into a guide 37 located in a plug 38 that closes the lower end of valve chamber 39 with which the high pressure inlet 40 communicates. The upper part of the valve stern extends from the valve upwardly through the valve seat opening 41, across the outlet passage 42, upwardly through a relatively large sized bore 43, and then through a guide bore 44. All of these chambers and passages are formed in a valve body 45 which may either be formed as a casting integral with diaphragm chamber casting 46 or be attached to that casting at a fluid tight gasketed joint 47. The upper end of valve stem 36 projects above valve body 45 into diaphragm chamber 50 which is connected via uid pressure connection 51 with the port 2S that is subjected at all times to the engine manifold depression. A valve actuating diaphragm S2 is clamped at its periphery between the rim of chamber casting 46 and an opposing rim of a diaphragm cover 54, perforated as at 56 to allow access of atmosphere to the back face of the diaphragm.

A valve lever 58 is pivoted at 59 in casting 46 and has its free end bearing upwardly against diaphragm plate 60. Near its pivot, lever S bears down on the upper end of the valve stem by bearing on a cap 61 set on the upper end of the stern and carrying on, or recessed into, its under face, an annular sealing gasket 62 of rubber or similar material. When diaphragm 52 is drawn down by manifold suction to its lower limiting position (diaphragm plate 60 seated o nchamber shoulder 64) cap 61 and valve stem 36 are moved down, moving valve 3S down off its seat. Slightly before diaphragm plate 60 nally seats, sealing gasket 62 seats down on an upwardly facing convex seat surface 66 that surrounds valve stem guide bore 44; the final seating movement of the di aphragm springing lever 58 and compressing gasket 62 against its seat, against cap 61 and radially about the valve stem. Leakage past the valve stem through guide bore 43 into diaphragm chamber 50 is thus positively sealed off whenever the valve is open and pressure is present in the valve outlet passage 42. An O-ring 70 around the valve stem in enlarged bore 43 and seating on the shoulder at the upper end of that bore also seals off any such leakage in any position of the valve, and is particularly effective as the valve moves down in opening and when the seal has not yet been completed at 62. Collar 71 onv stem 36 below ring 70 prevents the ring from dropping out of bore 43.

The seating of valve 35 is such as to atord a positive seal with extremely long life. j In the preferred arrangement shown best in Fig. 2, valve 35 is pressed into seated position by a spring 72 as well as by the initial high fluid pressure. Valve 35 seats directly on a seat ring 73 of rubber or similar material, that, as shown in the drawings, is seated on a metal ring 74 that in turn seats on body shoulder 75. To seal off any leakage past ring 74 an O-ring 76 is placed in a recess in shoulder 75, as shown. In seating, valve 35 first contacts the inner edge corner 73a of seating ring 73 and then, on moving to final seating, compresses the material of the ring until the valve may come to final seated position either against the inner corner of metal ring 74, or (as shown in Fig. 2) against a special seat surface 74a provided on a seat confining flange 74b at that inner corner. The ange prevents the inner edge portion of 73 from working or creeping over the inner edge of 74 and into its bore 74C. In seating, which the valve does under considerable pressure, seat ring I3 may be radially expanded into tight sealing engagement with the wall of chamber 39, finto which the seat ring may initially fit somewhat tightly. The upward pressure of a seat supporting spring 77 on a seat supporting washer 77a also helps to expand the seat ring against the chamber wall. However, the major seal to prevent leakage past the seat ring is the pressurable seal of the ring upwardly either against the member 74, or directly against shoulder 75 as in the simplified form shown in Fig. 3 where the seat ring seats directly on that shoulder. The seat supporting spring 77 and/or the initial gas pressure on the seat ring establish that sealing pressure. The seal which is effected by valve 35 when closed has been found, even after long use, to be perfectly positive under the greatest pressures encountered 'in gas feed systems. In the simpler form, as shown in Fig. 3, seat ring 74 and O-ring 76 and its recess may be omitted, seat ring 73 seating directly on body shoulder 75.

In the preferred form of valve described above, and in connection with the other various embodiments of the invention described later, the valve preferably closes with the initial pressure, so that that pressure tends to close the valve. However the present invention is not limited by that preferred arrangement. The valves can be closed by either a spring, or the initial pressure, or by both as here shown.

In the operation of the system as so far described, the manifold depression (typically a minimum of about five inches `of water) which is set up on turning the engine over for starting (with throttle 22 in or about idling position) is applied via connection 51 directly to diaphragm chamber 50. The size of diaphragm 52 and the leverage advantage of lever 53 aresuch, with relation to the valve closing forces, that when acted on by the starting depression, the diaphragm immediately moves down to its seated position, forcing the valve open and applying the sealing ring 62 to seal off any slight leakage which may pass O- ring 70. If any leakage past the valve stem does develop, the leakage passes immediately into diaphragm chamber 50 and thence is drawn through connection 5l into the engine manifold. Such leakage will then make itself evident in faulty starting or idling operation of the engine.

Upon starting and going into idling operation, the man1- mold depression increases so that the cut-off valve is held open. And in normal or average through its normal power range, the manifold vacuum usually continues sufficient to hold the valve open. But, under some exceptional operating conditions which obtain when the throttle is wide open and the engine running relatively slowly, the manifold vacuum may drop a very low value, even lower than the minimum caused by turning 'over to start. Now, while it is of course theoretically possible to make diaphragm 52. large enough to holdvalve 35 open at any manifold depression, however small, it is practically desirable to keep that diaphragm of a size only large enough to vinsure valve openengine operation t ing, by the minimum manifold depression of, turn-,over for starting and to utilize other auxiliary means for opening the valve or keeping the valve, open when in engine operationl the manifold depression may fall belowthat starting depression.

In Fig.v l a plunger 8 0 with a piston head 81 is vertically reciprocable in a barrel 82 secured toy diaphragm cover 5.4 in such positionthat depression of the plunger will hold diaphragm 52 down and valve- 35 open. Alight spring, 83 normally holdsthe plunger up. The upper end of the barrel above the piston heady is connected via pressureline 84 with any suitable part of, the passages or pressure. lines on the pressure side of the lubricating oil system of the engine,l such as diagrammatically indicated at 8S. Onengine` turn-over for starting, they manifold depressionl immediately opens. the fuel cut-off valve, before the lubricating oil pressure usually builds up. As soonas the engine-,starts operation the oil pressure rises and remainsat a considerable value as long as the engine is operating, however slowly. Acting on plunger 80 the oil pressure then keeps-the cut-oir valve open. The low oil-pressure on turning over to `start can be used to initially open the valve merely by making-cylinder and pis,- ton 82, 81y large enough.

When the engine stops both the manifoldv depression and theA oil pressure disappear, leaving valve 35 free to be closed'by its spring and the, highl uid pressure. The total` closing pressure can be quite large. In a device of the size and proportions shown in Fig. l of the drawings, a starting depression of five inches of water on diaphragm 52. willA exert an opening force of about ten pounds r.on the valve. Thevalve closingY force can thushe as much as, s ay, eight pounds-enough to close it very positively and tightly. With ther fuel sealed oif at that point any leakage in the system beyond the valve can only leak the limited amount of uid which that part of the system normally holds.

Aleaky check valve Slain line 51-opening for lioW towardl the manifold,V will retard release of vacuum under diaphragm 52v to hold valve 35 open if the manifold vacuum drops too low momentarily. The back-leakthro'ugh the check valve bleeds away the depression in. diaphragm chamber 50 soon after the engine stops, allowingthe cut-off' valve to close. While the back-leak could be merely a leak directly to atmosphere such as shown at 50a,r it is preferred' that the back-leak connectk with the engine manifold, and it could connect with that via such a connection as indicated at 5011. In any case it Speciically constitutes a` back-leak by-passing the check valve, and a leak in the check valve itself constitutes the same thing. The back-leak to the manifold is a leak to atmosphere then prevailing in the manifold when the engine stops.

The checkrvalve with its associated back-leak keeps the cut-off valve open when, for any reason, the manifold depression drops momentarily to, an amount too small to otherwise keep the valve open. For instance, it keeps the valve open when, during starting turn-over, the throttlek may be opened to get greatervolume of mixture for starting. v

Dueto the7 fact that cut-off valve 35 is always positively closed when the engine is standing, it is not necessary that regulator 15 be set to deliver through outlet line 16 at sub-atmospheric pressure; and itthe regulator delivers at or above atmospheric pressure a modifying control fromythe carbureter may be. utilized. These features will be explained primarily in connection with Fig. 3' where another type of cut-oil valve is shown in direct association with the regulator.

Fig. 3 shows av system generally similar to that of Fig.

l, the only difference being the location of the cutf-oi valve with relation to the regulator, and the specic mode of operation-of that valve. In Fig.l l the cut-ofi valve is physically-separate from; the regulator; in Pig. 3 the iirst valve otheregulator (in they specific instance of a twostagey regulator here shown as anexample.) is utilized as the cut-off valve. Certain parts of; Fig. 3- which-are the same as corresponding parts. of Figl are designated by the same numerals.

The illustrative regulator 15al of Fig, 3 has. a chamber forming body enclosing, with lrst stage diaphragm 101, a rst stage diaphragm chamber 102, with second stage diaphragm 103, a second stage diaphragm chamber 104.- First stage diaphragm101 is covered by a cover 105' which houses a reference pressure spring 106 pressing inwardly on the diaphragm to. establish (in cooperation with other forces acting on the valve and diaphragm) the chamber pressure at which the diaphragm willmove outwardly to allow first stage valve 110. to close. In a twostage regulator thatpressure is typically 6 or 8 p. s..i. rthe second stage diaphragm 103 is covered by cover 107 which either has an opening directly to atmosphere or, as here shown, forms ya reference' pressure chamber 108 at the outer faceA of the diaphragm connectedv by balance pressure line 29 to the pressure pick-up 30and the idling control port 26 of the carbureter.

First stage valve110 is closed by a spring 111 onto seat 112V which is here shown as the simple form described in connection with Figs. l and 2, but may be like that shown in Fig. 2'. The valve is also preferably closed by the `pressure exerted on it by the high pressure uidlreceived from source 10 through inlet 113. The valve is opened bythe operation of valve lever 114', pivoted at 115 and bearing on Valve stem 116, when diaphragm 101 is moved down by spring 106 and the pressure in chamber 105a against the, pressure existent in chamber 102 and againstthe forces acting directly on the valve to close it. Those direct forces are preferably strong, as explainedin connection with Fig. 1, so that when otherforces acting on the valve are removed the valve will be tightly and positively closed. Assuming, that the valve is directly closed byv a given force, then with a diaphragm 101 of a given size and a given leverage ratio of lever 114, the, equilibrium pressure in chamber 102 with' relation to the pressure in 105a is then set by the strength of reference spring 10.6.

Second stage valve 118, controlling the passage 117 of uid from irs't stage chamber 102k into secondV stage chamber 104, is shown as closing against the first stage pressure exerted on, it. A spring120, operating on valve lever 121 may tend to close valvey 118 against the lirst stage pressure. Il' it is strong enough to overbalance that pressure, then sub-atmospheric pressure (a pressure less than that existing in reference pressure chamber 10S on the outer face of the diphragm) must exist in diaphragm chamber 104 to cause inward diaphragm movement and opening of valve 118. The, regulator then typically delivers at sub-atmospheric pressure. By making spring lighter, or eliminating it entirely, the regulator can be set to deliver at or above atmospheric pressure or at or above the modifiedatmospheric pressure in chamber 108. With a positive cut-oft valve in the system (either the separate valve of Fig. l, or the valve now to be described here.) the regulator can be set to deliver at or above atmospheric pressure (or the pressure in 108), and will be so considered here. In speaking of atmospheric pressure generally I mean to include, without further particular reference to it, the modified atmospheric pressures that may be applied to the reference chambers.

Although the regulator of Fig. 3 has been typically shown and described as a two-stage regulator, it can be, in all aspects of the present invention, a single stage regulator. To visualize that, it is only necessary to suppose for instance that second stage valve 118 is omitted, in which case port 117 becomes in elfect the delivery outlet of the single stage regulator, delivering at whatever pressure, below or above atmospheric pressure, springl 106 is set for. If set to deliver below atmospheric pressure, spring 106 is .set to exert on valve 7 110 an opening force less than that exerted by the valve closing forces; if set to deliver above atmospheric pressure, spring 106 exerts the greater force on the valve.

In explaining the regulator of Fig. 3 and its operation thus far, the pivot 115 of irst stage valve lever 114 has been considered as if Xed in the position shown in Fig. 3; a position where inward movement of diaphragm 101 will open valve 110. And the regulator as so far described, and with the balance and idling control connection 29 to be described later is typically the regulator 15 of the system of Fig. 1 Where the separate cut-E valve precedes the Whole regulator. ln the system of Fig. 3, however, the first stage valve 110 of the two stage regulator is made to act as the cut-off valve, by means of an arrangement, actuated by engine manifold depression and/or, if desired, oil pressure, acting in effect to disconnect the first stage reference pressure (106) and diaphragm from the irst stage valve when demand on the regulator ceases so that that valve can close independently of the reference pressure; and acting in effect to open the valve by subjecting it to regulator operation whenever there is demand on the regulator outlet. Broadly speaking, the operative connection between valve 110 and the diaphragm and its reference pressure spring 106 may be established and broken or disabled in any suitable manner, and the operation of disabling and restoring that connection may be caused by any suitable means, either manually or automatically actuated. However, my present preferred manner of breaking or disabling that operative connection is by moving the lever pivot 115 in a direction transverse of the lever length; and preferably in an engine feed system I provide for and cause that movement in the following manners.

Valve lever pivot 115 is mounted so as to be shiftable, preferably transversely, of the length of the lever. As here shown that pivot is carried on an arm 125 pivoted at 126 on a body 127 associated with the regulator body 100. A reciprocable pin 128 is mounted in body 127 with one end contacting arm 125 near pivot 115 and the other end projecting into a diaphragm chamber 129 formed in body 127 and closed on one side by diaphragm 130. A pivoted lever 131 acts to move pin 128 down to the position shown when the diaphragm moves down to its lowermost position, as shown, with diaphragm plate seated on the shoulder 133. In that position of the parts the valve lever is held in its opcrat ing position where inward movement of diaphragm 101 opens the valve to increase or sustain the pressure in chamber 102. With diaphragm 130 released from its lower position and free to rise, lever pivot 115 is free to rise, so that although first stage diaphragm 101 is moved down by reference spring 106 position on stops 109, valve 110 is not opened. regulating diaphragm 101 is down to or below its normal regulating position when diaphragm 130 moves down, then that action of 130 directly opens the valve.

Chamber 129 under diaphragm 130 is connected via pressure line 51 with for instance the manifold port 25 in the same manner that diaphragm chamber 50 is connected to that port in Fig. 1. Connecting line 51 may have the same leaky check valve 51a, or a check valve with a back-leak past it such as described in connection with Fig. l. Diaphragm 130 on its back side is open to atmosphere, covered with a perforated cover 135; and that cover may carry the same oil-pressure actuated plunger device as in Fig. l, denoted in Fig. 3 by the same numerals, and connected as in Fig. l by line 84 with the oil pressure system 85 of the engine. It will be noted that any leakage past the valve operating pin 128 where it projects into diaphragm chamber 129 will go into that chamber and hence to the engine intake, in the same manner and with the same results to its limiting lf as described for similar leakage in Fig. l. past pin 128 is minimized by the O-ring 128a.

The action of diaphragm 130` under manifold de pression and oil pressure is the same as that of diaphragm 52 of Fig. 1. With the engine standing, diaphragm 130 is free to move up and consequently valve 110 is allowed to close under the spring and/or pressure forces acting to close it. That is so, even if the regulator delivers at atmospheric pressure or above, so that there is no pressure in chamber 102 when the engine is standing and diaphragm 101 is consequently in its lowest position on stops 109. Generally speaking, the diaphragms 52 and 130 are both actuated in the same manners as a result of engine starting and operation; and each diaphragm operates on Leakagel f a cut-off valve (35 in Fig. l and 110 in Fig. 3) to open it,

or cause it to open, during engine starting and operation and to allow it to close when the engine ceases operation. And in each case the cut-off valve precedes all the other necessary regulator mechanism of the system, including diaphragm chambers and valves, positively cutting off fuel feed to the whole of the regulator mechanism in both cases, In the following claims the expression which describes the valve as being located at the head of the regulator mechanism is intended to include both locations of the cut-o valve with reference to the regulator. That is, the cut-olf valve may be a valve physically separate from the regulator and located in the system to receive and control the fuel in any location ahead of the regulator; or the cut-off valve may be the rst valve of the regulator.

Seeing that, in both cases feed of fuel under pressure to the regulator is positively cut ol, it is not necessary that the regulator in either case be set to deliver at a pressure below atmospheric. Arrangement and setting of the regulator of Fig. 3 for delivery at or above atmos pheric pressure have been described; and the same arrangements are applicable to the regulator of Fig. 1 whether that regulator be of single or multiple stage type. Assuming that the regulators in both cases deliver at pressures at or above atmospheric, the following described system may be used for idling control.

Balance line 29, as before explained, connects balance pressure pick-up 30 with the reference pressure chamber 108 of the regulator diaphragm that controls the iinal delivery pressure of the regulator-diaphragm 103 in Fig. 3. On turning the engine over for starting, and on starting and going into idling operation with the throttle closed down, the same manifold depression which occurs at manifold port 25 to open the cut-oi valve and admit fuel to the regulator, also occurs at the idling control port 26. That depression at port 26, communicated under control of valve 28 to the balance passage 29, lowers the effective reference pressure in reference chamber 108, thus tending to close valve 118 and to lower the effective delivery pressure of the regulator for idling operation. A small stirrup or hook 103a on the diaphragm 103 engages valve lever 121 to pull on the lever and force valve 118 toward closed position against the pressure which tends to open it. When the throttle is opened past idling position the manifold depression on port 26 falls, and the regulator then delivers at the somewhat higher normal pressure for which it is set.

If'the regulator is single stage instead of multiple (valve 118 omitted as above suggested) then the balance and idle control may be applied to diaphragm 101 via connec tion 29a, assuming that spring 106 is set to maintain pressure in outlet chamber 102 at atmospheric or slightly above. Ordinarily the reference pressure chamber a under cover 105 at the back of diaphragm 101 would be vented to the final discharge of the regulator so that any leakage developed by diaphragm 101 would go to the regulator outlet. However, that chamber 105a may be closed and balance pressure line 29 may lead to it. That is illustrated in Fig. 3 by the branch pressure line 29a leading to chamber 105:1 and thus controllably modiflying the aerien of diaphragm 101 in the Case where that diaphragm controls the nal outlet pressure, in the same manner as explained for the diaphragm 103 where it controls the nal outlet pressure. In passing, it may be noted that the inclusionfof 29a in Fig. 3 doesl not interfere with the action of the regulator as a two stage regulator when spring 106 is set to maintain a highervthan delivery pressure in the chamber 102; the modifying action of connection 29a then being negligible'. Figs. 3b.k shows4 the relevant parts of Fig. 3 above referred to, with valve`118 omitted as above stated.

As before indicated, regulators equipped with means fory utilizing their first valves as cut-.off valves may be used in anyof the various systems where regulated fluid pressures are delivered, and the operating connection between the reference pressure (and diaphragm 101) and valve 110 may be disabled and established in various manners, and the disablement and establishment actuated in vvarious, manners. Fig. 4 shows schematically a modifcation which is illustrative. As shownv there, for instance, pivot 115a of valve lever 114g iscarried at the lower end of a swinging arm pivoted at 126:1 in the body 100a. Lever 114a is shown as having anupward offset such as 114b in such a location that if the lever isy shifted longitudinally to` the' left, the lever will notetectively bear on valveV stern 116 even with` diaphragm 101 down against stops 109. The lever and its pivot 115a may be held in normal operating position by any suitable means,y as by a spring 114e, the position being limited by any suitable stop. In Fig. 4,` for illustration, a slidable operating rod 160]) is shown with a head 160C bearing on arm: 160a and,` together with head 1.604 outside the body, acting as such a stop. In the simple form shown, rod 160b may be pulled out manually and held e. out by inserting a pin through hole 160e in they rod. Or the rod may be pulled out by any control system, such for instanee asillustrated in connection with Figs.` 1 or 3.

In both Figs. 3 and 4, disconnection` o fithe .reference pressure spring 10,6 from valve 110. also disconnectsl diaphragrn` 1101 fromthe valve. Fig. 5 shows an illustrative modification in which the reference pressure only is so disconnected, the diaphragm remaining connected to the valve at all times. In that figure, parts which arethe same as in Fig, 3 are-given the samenumerals.

In'Fig. 5y the valve 1ll0fand its closing spring 111 are the same as in Fig. 3 and bear the same relation to high pressure inlet 1131l Valve stem 116e isshown as lengthenedy upwardly and diaphragm 10111 is shown as tightly secured at its center to the valve stem. The body casting 119041, together with diaphragm 101:1, encloses the diaphragm chamber 119,251, intwhlich the regulated pressure is cont-rolled,` yas in Fig. 3, by all the forces normallyacting on the valve; that is, the force of spring 1,1"1' (and the initial high pressure) tending to close the valve, the force exerted on the valve by reference spring 106a tending to open the valve, and the regulated pressureon the diaphragm tending tov close the valve. As in the form of Fig. 3, iffthe reference spring, pressure exerted on the valve is` greater than the closing forces exerted by springk 111,71 andthe initial pressure, then the equilibrium pressure in chamber 102g is positive, assuming the back side of diaphragm 101er to be vented to atmosphere. If the reference spring pressure on the valve is less` than the closing forces exerted directly on, thevalve, then the equilibrium pressure in 1G25: is sub-atmospheric.

Reference spring 106er is shown as exertingI its force directly on valve lever 11421, which bears onthe upper end of valve stern 116g and is pivoted at 115:: onpivoted yarm 12S in the same manner asin Fig. 3. Pin 128,r which may be operated in any ofthe manners before described, has the same operation on the valve lever pivot as in Figf 3, either holding that pivot in itsV normal operating position (that shown) or allowing the pivot to move up freely to a position where, with spring 106g fully expanded against such 'a stop as shown at 109g, the lever will not l l0 PI'QS. S 1QWI1 Qn the valve stem, The, reference springpres sure is thus removed from the valve, which is thenfree to be closed tightly by the'valve closing forces, including, in this case the'closing force exerted by the pressure in 10251 on the diaphragm.

Fig. 6 shows schematically another illustrative manner of removing the valve-opening reference force from the valve. In that ligure the diaphragm 101s is shown attached to valve stern 116a in the same arrangement as in Fig. 5. Reference spring 106]; however is shown as seated on a seat member 200 which bears on the upper end of valve stem 116:1. The upper end` of spring 106]; bears on an upper head 202 which can move downward with reference to seat 200 but Whose upward movement with reference to 200 is limited by the headed telescoping arrangement shown at 204. With head 202 in its upper limiting position with reference to seat 200 and with no down pressure exerted on 202, valve is free to be closed by the closing forces acting on it. Upper head 202 may be moved down forcibly in any suitable manner; for instance, it is shown as being moved down by the same arrangement as in Fig. 3. The pin 128 bears on head 202 and is operated by diaphragm 130 and lever 131 in the same manner as in Fig. 2. Fig. 6 shows diaphragm 130 and pin 128 in upper position exerting no substantial down force on spring head 202. Valve 1110 isk therefore free to` close substantially unimpeded by any opening forces. When diaphragm 131) is moved down, pin 128 and head 2%12 are moved down forcibly, compressing spring 1061) and allowing it to exert its expansive force on the valve 110 in the opening direction.

As before indicated, any of regulator mechanisms herein described may be used in fluid feed systems other than engine feed systems, although particularly useful there, and their reference connective and disconnective means may be actuated automatically or otherwise by any suitable actuator or forces. Examples have been given in connection with Figs. 4 to 6. And in Fig. 3 other operating pressures may be applied to diaphragm 130, or, generally speaking the'lever pivot 115 may be moved transversely of the lever by any suitable means, automatic or otherwise.

When used, in other fluid feed systems the regulator may have no control4 connections functioning like 29, 29a of Fig. 3.` its reference pressure chamber 10S may be connected to any desired controlling pressure, or, as shOWnin Fig. 3a, may be open to atmosphere, as at 103m A nd its first stage reference pressure chamber 105a may be connected, via a passage such as ltlSb, with the linal delivery chamber 104, so that any leakage at diaphragm 101 will go tothe final delivery.'

This application is a continuation of my two copendingl applications:

Ser. No. 231,025, filed June 1l, 1951, for Gas Fuel. Feed Systems With Safety Cut-Oifs,for Internal CombustionEngines and the like; and Ser. No. 231,026, filed June 1l, 195.1, forCombined Pressure Regulator and Cut- Ol Valve for Engine Fuel Feed Systems and the like, and is intended toinclude 4and cover all the subject matters of bothl those applications.

The valve structures herein described are, of themselves, the subject matter of my copending application for Valve Structure,I Ser. No. 430,183, filed May 17, 1954, and are not claimed` herein of themselves.

I claim:

1. In a gas fuel feed system for an internal combustion engine having an intake manifold, the combination of a carbureter having a throttle controlled mixture passage whose outlet beyond the throttle is adapted to be connected tothe manifold, a source of fuel under pressure, a pressure regulator mechanism which comprises a body and a pressure operatable diaphragm enclosing a diaphragm chamber, an inlet and `an outlet for said chamber, a fuel passage connection between the outlet and the carbureter to, feed fuel `thereto under regulated pressure, an inlet controlling valve operatively connected to said diaphragm so that pressure in the diaphragm chamber causes the valve to close, a reference pressure means, means independent of the reference pressure means constantly exerting a force on the valve tending to close it, means actuatable by subatmosphcric pressure to apply the reference pressure `force to the valve in a direction tending to open it, said last mentioned means embodying body walls and an actuating diaphragm enclosing an actuating diaphragm chamber, `and a reciprocable actuating pin extending through the body wall structure between the first mentioned diaphragm chamber and the actuating diaphragm chamber, and a fluid passage connection leading from the mixture passage at a point beyond the throttle to the actuating diaphragm chamber.

2. In a gas fuel feed system for an internal combustion engine having an intake manifold and a throttle controlled carbureter connected to the manifold, a source of fuel under pressure, valvular mechanism including a cut-oli valve and pressure regulator mechanism connected to receive fuel under pressure from the source and to deliver fuel under reduced pressure to the carbureter, the cut-ofi valve receiving fuel directly from the source and controlling its delivery to tbe regulator mechanism, and said cut-off valve being movable between closed and open positions, means exerting force constantly on said valve tending to move it to closed position, and means for automatically moving said valve to open position, said means including body walls and a diaphragm enclosing a diaphragm chamber, an operative connection between the diaphragm and the valve to move the valve to open position when the diaphragm moves inwardly into the charnber, said connection extending through a wall of the diaphragm chamber to the valve so that any leakage from the outlet side of the valve along said connection will go to the diaphragm chamber, and a fluid pressure line connecting the diaphragm chamber to the engine intake manifold; and means actuated by the lubricating oil pressure of the engine to hold said valve in open position.

3, ln a gas fuel feed system for an internal combustion engine having an intake manifold and a throttle controlled carbureter connected to the manifold, a source of fuel under pressure, valvular mechanism including a cut-off valve and pressure regulator mechanism connected to receive fuel under pressure from the source and to deliver fuel under reduced pressure to the carbureter, the cut-off valve receiving fuel directly from the source and controlling its delivery to the regulator mechanism, and said cut-off valve being movable between closed and open positions, means exerting force constantly on said valve tending to move it to closed position, means actuated by virtue of engine rotation and acting to open said valve, said regulator mechanism including a diaphragm and diaphragm-actuated valvular means set for delivery of fucl to the carbureter at a pressure not below atmospheric, and a system for applying a pressure-modifying reference pressure to the regulator diaphragm, said system including a pressure balance passage between the diaphragm and the air intake of the carbureter and a port connected to said balance passage and communicating with the carbureter passage at a point where it is uncovered to the intake manifold when the carbureter throttle is in substantially closed position; and means actuated by the lubricating oil pressure of the engine tending to hold said valve in open position.

4. .in a gas fuel feed system for an internal combustion engine having an intake manifold and a throttle controlled carbureter connected to the manifold, a source of gaseous fuel under pressure, valvular mechanism inciuding a cut-off valve and pressure regulator mechanism connected to receive fuel under pressure from the source and set to deliver fuel under reduced pressure not below atmospheric to the carbureter, the cut-off valve receiving gaseous fuel directly from the source and controlling its delivery to the regulator mechanism, and said cut-off valve being movable between closed and open positions, means exerting force constantly on said valve tending to move it to closed position, and means actuated by lubri cating oil pressure of the engine acting to open said valve against the force tending to close it.

5. In a gas fuel feed system for an internal combustion engine having an intake manifold and a throttle controlled carbureter connected to the manifold, a source of gaseous fuel under pressure, valvular mechanism including a cut-off valve and pressure regulator mechanism connected to receive fuel under pressure from the source and set to deliver fuel under reduced pressure not below atmospheric to the carbureter, the cut-off valve receiving gaseous fuel directly from the source and controlling its delivery to the regulator mechanism, and said cut-off valve being movable between closed and open positions, means exerting force constantly on said valve tending to move it to closed position, means actuated by engine manifold depression acting to open said valve against the force tending to close it, and means actuated by the Ilubricating oil pressure of the engine to hold said valve in open position.

6. In a gas fuel feed system for an internal combustion engine having an intake manifold and a throttle controlled carbureter connected to the manifold, a source of fuel under pressure, valvular mechanism including a eutoff valve and pressure regulator mechanism connected to receive gaseous fuel under pressure from the source and to deliver fuel under reduced pressure to the carbureter, the cut-od valve receiving gaseous fuel under pressure directly from the source and controlling its delivery to the regulator mechanism, and said cut-off valve being movable between closed and open positions, means exerting force constantly on said valve tending to move it to closed position, and means for automatically moving said valve to open position, said means including body walls and a diaphragm enclosing a diaphragm chamber, an operative connection between the diaphragm and the valve to move the valve to open position when the diaphragm moves inwardly into the chamber, and a fluid pressure line connecting the diaphragm chamber to the engine intake manifold; and means actuated by the lubricating oil pressure of the engine to hold said valve in open position.

7. A cut-off valve device for gaseous fuel feed systems for internal combustion engines and the like, said valve device comprising a valve body enclosing a valve chamber with an inlet and outlet, an annular valve seat in the chamber between the inlet and outlet, a valve in the chamber movable to and from the valve seat at the inlet side of the seat, spring means in the valve chamber exerting pressure on the valve in the direction tending to seat it, a valve actuating stem entering the valve body at the outlet side of the valve and adapted by reciprocation inwardly into the valve body to open the valve, a wall formation and a diaphragm enclosing a diaphragm chamber, the outer end of said valve actuating stem projecting into the diaphragm chamber through a closely fitting opening through one of its enclosing Walls so that only leakage from the outlet side of the valve along the valve stem will go to the diaphragm chamber, the valve chamber and its inlet and outlet being independent of the diaphragm chamber, said diaphragm chamber having a port independent of the valve outlet and through which a sub-atmospheric pressure may be applied to the diaphragm chamber, a head on the projecting end of the valve stem within the diaphragm chamber, an annular seating surface on the diaphragm chamber wall around the valve stem, a sealing gasket surrounding the valve stem between the head and the seating surface and adapted to form a seal therebetween, and a pivoted valve operating lever bearing on the headed end of the valve stem and engaging the inner face of the diaphragm and adapted to move the valve stem in its valve opening `V13 directies against the valve statins satira and te esta# mess itis gasket between4 the bassiana the, anr'lularsestf ing, Surface when the diubrifsm. meres inwardlrin fer sponse to suction applied to its, chanjiben.

8. Ay cut-off valve device for gaseousfuel feed systems for internal combustion engines and the like, said valve device comprising a vaive body enclosing, a valve chamber with an inlet and outlet, an` annular. valve seat in the chamber between the inlet and outlet, valve in the chamber movable to and from the valve seat at the inlet side of the seat, spring means in the `izalve chamber exerting pressure on l'the valve inthe direction tending te seat it, a valve actuating stern entering thevalve body at the'outlet side of the valve and adapted by reciprocation inwardly into the valve body to openthe valve, a wall formation Aand adiaphragm enclosing a diaphragm chamber, the outer end of lsaid valve actuating stem projecting into the diaphragm chamber through a closely fitting opening throughv one of its. enclosing walls so that only leakage from'the outlet side ofthe valve along the valve vstem will go to the liaphragm chamber, 'the valve chamber audits inlet and outlet beingindependent of the, diaphragm chamber, said diaphragm chamber hav-l ingl a por-t independent of the valve outlet and through which a sub-atmospheric pressure maybe applied to the diaphragm chamber, and connective .meansin said da: phragrn chamberr between the diaphragm and the valve stem andy adapted to movel the valve stemtint its valve opening direction against the valve seatingspring when the diaphragm moves inwardlyin response to `suction applied to its chamber.

9. A cut-orf valve device for gaseous fuel feed systems for internal combustion engines and thelikc, said valve device comprising a valve body enclosing a valve chamber with an inlet and outlet, an annular valve seat in the chamber between the inlet and outlet, a valve in the chamber movable to and from the valve seat at the inlet side of the seat, spring means in the valve chamber exerting pressure on the valve in the direction tending to seat it, a valve actuating stem entering the valvey body at the outlet side of the valve and adapted by reciprocation inwardly into the valve body to open the valve, a wall formation and a diaphragm enclosing a diaphragm chamber, the outer end of said valve actuating stem projecting into the diaphragm chamber through a closely fitting opening through one of its enclosing walls so that only leakage from the outlet side of the valve along the valve stem will go to the diaphragm chamber, operative connection Within the diaphragm chamber between the diaphragm and the valve stem to move the valve stem in its valve opening direction against the valve seating spring when the diaphragm moves inwardly into the diaphragm chamber, the valve chamber and its inlet and outlet being independent of the diaphragm chamber, said diaphragm chamber having a port independent of the valve outlet and through which a sub-atmospheric pressure may be applied to the diaphragm chamber, the valve having a conicai seating surface, the valve seat being provided by a seat structure comprising an annular shoulder f in the valve chamber around the valve stem and facing axially toward the valve, an annular resiliently compressible valve seat member having one face seated on said shoulder and peripherally tting against the chamber wall, a seat supporting washer bearing against the opposite face of the seat member, and a spring pressing the washer against the seat member.

l0. In a gas fuel feed system for an internal combustion engine having an intake manifold, the combination of a carburetor having a throttle controlled mixture passage whose outlet beyond the throttle is adapted to be connected to the manifold, a source of fuel under pressure, a pressure regulator mechanism `which comprises a body and a pressure operatable diaphragm enclosing a diaphragm chamber, an inlet and an outlet for said chamber, a fuel passage connection between the outlet and ,carburetor-tiefes@ tual thertowidsftessiafed erasure. adiaphhagmoperated inletcontrolling valve, areference pressure means, means independent ofthe reference pressure means constantly exerting a force on the valve tend-k ing to close it, means independent of the regulator. diaphragm actuatable by subatmospheric pressure to apply the reference pressure force to the valve in a direction tending to open it, and a uid passage connectionleading from the mixture passage` at a point beyond the throttle, to the last mentioned means to causeA its actuation by subatmospheric pressure derived from the mixturepassage at that point.

ll. The combination defined in claim l0 andl including also means actuatable by the lubricating oilv pressure of the engine tending to hold said valve in open position.

l2. In a gas fuel feed system for an internal combustion engine having an intake manifold, the combination of a carburetor having La throttle controlled mixture passage whose outlet beyond the throttle is adapted to be connected to the manifold, a source of fuel under pressure, a pressurel regulator mechanism which comprises ay body and a pressure operatable diaphragm enclosing a diaphragm chamber, an inlet and an outlet for said charnbei', a fuel passage connection between the outlet and the carburetor to feed fuel thereto under regulated pres,- sure, a diaphragm-operated inlet controlling valve, a ref,- erence pressure means, means independent of the reference, pressure means constantly ,exerting a forceon the valve tending to close it, and means independent ofthe regulator diaphragm actuated by virtue of engine rotation to apply the reference pressure force to the valve inta `direction tending to open it.

13,. The combination delined in claim l2l and in which the last mentioned means is actuated by lubricating oil pressure.

14. In a gas fuel feed system for an internal combustion engine having an intake manifold and a throttle controlled carburetor connected to the manifold, a source of fuel under pressure, valvular mechanism including a cutol valve and pressure regulator mechanism connected to receive fuel under pressure from the source and to deliver fuel under reduced pressure to the carburetor, the cut-olf valve receiving fuel from the source at the head of the regulator mechanism, and said cut-olf valve being movable between closed and open positions, means exerting force constantly on said valve tending to move it to closed position, and means for automatically moving said valve to open position, said last mentioned means including an element actuatable by fluid pressure, a passage connecting said element with a part of the engine in which a fluid pressureis generated by Virtue of engine rotation, a check valve in said passage, and a leak passage lay-passing said check valve.

15. In a gas fuel feed system for an internal combustion engine having an intake manifold and a throttle c011- tro'lled carburetor connected to the manifold, a source of fuel under pressure, valvular mechanism including a cutoff valve and pressure regulator mechanism connected to receive fuel under pressure from the source and to deliver fuel under reduced pressure to the carburetor, thel cut-off valve receiving fuel from the source at the head of the regulator mechanism, and said cut-off valve being movable between closed and open positions, means exerting force constantly on said valve tending to move it to closed position, and means for automatically moving said valve to open position, said means including body walls and a diaphragm enclosing a diaphragm chamber, an operative connection between the diaphragm and the valve to move the valve to open position when the diaphragm moves inwardly into the chamber, a uid pressure line connecting the diaphragm chamber to the engine intake manifold, a check valve in said line opening toward the intake manifold, and a leak passage by-passing the check valve.

16. In a fluid pressure regulator, the combination of a body and a pressure operatable diaphragm enclosing a diaphragm chamber, an inlet and an outlet for said cha-mber, an inlet controlling valve operatively connected to the diaphragm so that pressure in the diaphragm chamber causes the valve to close, a reference pressure means, means including a pivoted lever operatively connecting the reference pressure means to the valve so that the reference pressure means normally tends to open the valve by exerting its pressure on the va'lve through the medium of the lever, an element carrying the lever pivot and movable to move the pivot between a normal position in which the lever is eliective to apply opening pressure to the valve and a position in which the lever is ineffective to apply that pressure, releasable means holding said element and the lever pivot in the rst mentioned position,

and means independent of the reference pressure means i and of said lever constantly' exerting a force on the valve tending to close it.

17. The combination defined in claim 16 and in which the lever applies opening pressure to the valve by movement in a given direction, the pivot carrying element being mounted on the body to move freely back and forth in that direction to allow the lever pivot to move freely back and forth in that direction, and the releasable holding means acting selectively either to hold the pivot carrying element in its normal position or to free said element and its carried pivot for free movement.

18. The combination dened in claim 16 and in which the valve is of the poppet type and includes an axially extending stem, the valve closing means is a spring acting directly on the valve, the valve operating lever extends in a direction generally at right angles to the valve stem and bears on the end of the valve stem in a direction to exert opening pressure on the valve, the pivot carrying element being a pivoted arm which has an extent generally parallel to the lever and carries the lever pivot at its outer swinging end, and the releasable holding means acting to releasably hold the carrier element and the lever pivot against movement in a direction opposite to the direction of opening movement of the valve.

19. The combination defined in claim 1S and in which the reference pressure means acts directly on the diaphragm and the lever operatively connects the diaphragm to the valve.

20. The combination defined in claim 16 and in which the reference pressure means acts directly on the diaphragm and the lever operatively connects the diaphragm to the valve.

2l. In a uid pressure regulator, the combination of a body and a pressure operatable diaphragm enclosing a diaphragm chamber, an inlet and an outlet for said chamber, an inlet controlling valve operatively connected to the diaphragm so that pressure in the diaphragm chamber causes the valve to close, a reference pressure means, mechanicalconnective means between the reference presv sure means and thevalve, said connective means having two states in one only of which the pressure of the reference pressure means is applied to the valve in a direction tending to open it, means for shifting the mechanical connective means between its two states, and means independent of the reference pressure means and of the mechanical connective means constantly exerting a force on the valve tending to close it.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,475,086 Ensign July 5, 1949 

